Poor Representation Stalling Igedeland’s Development –   Stakeholders

Stakeholders from Igedeland have attributed the lack of meaningful development in the area over the last twenty-five years of democratic rule to poor representation in governance at all levels.

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the Second Annual Public Lecture of the Association of Igede Media Professionals, AIMP, held recently in Abuja.

In the communique signed by the President of AIMP, Comrade Egena Sunday Ode, the group noted that despite the huge agricultural potential and abundant human capital in Igede Nation, poverty, the absence of infrastructure, the lack of industries, and underdevelopment had persisted.

The stakeholders, therefore, urged the electorate to shun vote-selling and vote for competence, and also urged the media to remain partners in development through accountability and development journalism.

AIMP further resolved to work towards establishing a credible, non-partisan body to mentor future leaders and ensure that the community supports only persons with proven integrity and capacity.

Delivering the keynote address on “Rethinking Leadership Recruitment System in Igede land: 2027 in Focus”, NLC Spokesperson, Sir Benson Upah, called for a more people-oriented leadership recruitment process to drive development.

Chairman of the event and former Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Professor Ode Ojowu, called on all Igede sons and daughters to reunite and work together for the peace and development of Igede Nation.

According to the communique, participants expressed hope that implementing the recommendations would better position the community for greater unity, relevance, and development ahead of next year’s general elections.

Dignitaries at the event included the member representing Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, Hon. David Ogewu; PDP Candidate for Oju/Obi Federal Constituency, General Ede Ode; NDC candidate for Benue South Senatorial District, Dr Isaac Egboja; SDP Governorship running mate, Dr Margaret Oga; Provost of College of Education, Oju, Prof. Boniface Odeh; and President General of Omi Ny’Igede Worldwide, Comrade Omeno Eduh Daniel.